[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 31 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E367-E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               77TH ANNIVERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 15, 1995
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the Lithuanian American Council of Lake County, IN, and the Lithuanian 
community on the 77th anniversary of Lithuanian independence.
  [[Page E368]] The Lithuanian American Council will celebrate 
Lithuanian independence, which occurred in 1918 as the Lithuanians were 
freed from the Soviet Union. They will mark this joyous occasion on 
Sunday, February 19, 1995, at St. Casimir's Church in Gary, IN. 
Following tradition, the anniversary ceremony will begin with a church 
service starting at 11:30 a.m. After the church service, the Lithuanian 
American Council will hold a flag raising ceremony outside of St. 
Casimir to honor those Lithuanians who pledged their allegiance to 
independence for their people. The event will then conclude with a 
dinner in the church hall.
  I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Lithuanian 
American Council of Lake County's officers, including: Vincent J. 
Gumulauskis, who has been president for 3 years; Pete D. Auksel and 
Casimir Balt, both of whom are vice presidents; Birute Vilutis, 
secretary; and Walter Ruzga, treasurer. Allow me to also commend the 
board of directors, whose members include Rev. Ignatius Urbonas, 
Aleksas Degutis, Alex Navardauskas, Dan Pauls, Frank Petrites, Brone 
Tampauskas, and Izidorius Tavaras. Finally, I would like to commend 
every member of the Lithuanian American Council for the loyalty and 
enthusiasm they have displayed toward their ethnicity.
  The Lithuanian American Council of Lake County, IN is a branch of the 
Lithuanian American Council. It was founded in 1940 and originated in 
large cities such as Boston, Chicago, and New York. The organization in 
Lake County initially was headquartered at St. Francis in East Chicago, 
IN, until recently when the building was demolished. The organization 
was then moved to St. Casimir where its home is today.
  It is my sincere hope that 1995 will bring renewed prosperity for all 
members of the Lithuanian community and their families. May this 77th 
anniversary celebration prove to be a most joyous occasion.


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